There is no denying the healthy benefits of daily physical activity. We all see our friends checking into the gym to get into top physical shape. The good news is that you don’t always have to hit the gym to gain physical health. Everyday outdoor activities can be much more fun, convenient, and have the same benefits. Here are 7 Outdoor Activities To Get You in Shape:
Golf
Golf is a leisure activity, enjoyed by many people of all ages. When taken at face value, the health and fitness benefits can seem minor. However, if you take a step back and examine your approach, you’d see that there is ample opportunity for fitness. One option is to skip the golf cart and walk. The average golfer can walk up to four miles in a single round of golf, with potential for more if you have to chase the balls. After playing a couple of games the fitness benefits can be obvious. Carrying or pulling your golf clubs can be a very effective way to promote muscle toning and good cardiovascular health. Golf provides a stimulating mental challenge. You’re already a golfer? Try using the rugged and waterproof Garmin Approach S4 Golf Watch.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is a great outdoor sport for kids and adults of all ages, making it a great exercise that families can do together. One primary health benefit of riding a mountain bike is the improvement of cardiovascular fitness. Mountain Biking makes the heart pound steadily, which increases your heart’s fitness by three to seven percent, decreasing the risk of having coronary heart disease. Riding a mountain bike also builds, strengthens and tones your muscles. If you do ride regularly, the muscles on your legs, thighs, buttocks and hips will strengthen, helping to protect your hip and knee joints. Studies have shown that riding a bicycle for at least 20 miles in a week can reduce your risk of having coronary heart disease by almost 50%.
Running
We all should have expected good old fashioned running to make this list. Running is not only a great way to stay in shape, but can also benefit almost every other part of your body, including your mood. Studies have shown that running can raise your levels of good cholesterol, while also increasing your lung use, and boost your immune system. In women, running has also been known to actually reduce your risk of breast cancer. Being one of the best forms of losing and maintaining weight, running can also provide a nice boost to your self-esteem and confidence. Get the most from your experience by tracking your results using the Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Personal Trainer with Heart Rate Premium Strap.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a great exercise for cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that the only way to improve your cardiovascular system is by participating in exercise that stresses the heart and accessory organs. Walking, bike riding, and rock climbing are just a few examples of these exercises. Rock climbing is also a great way of promoting weight loss. Rock climbing at a moderate pace for around one hour can burn around 400 calories, while also toning and increasing muscle mass in the arms, chest, back, and legs.
Swimming
People often underestimate the health benefits of swimming. Swimming is a great way to help you to build your heart rate and blood flow, while helping to maintain a healthy weight. Using the water as a tool can also be a great way to tone your muscle, breath better, and even become more flexible. Because water is denser than air, swimming is a far more effective way of toning your muscles than any other form of cardiovascular exercise that you can do on land. With a swimming exercise regimen, you also get the benefits of a cardio workout, while simultaneously working on developing an even body tone. Working out in water provides a certain amount of water resistance, which has a similar effect as using a light weight on a resistance machine at the gym.
Soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, and is played in several countries. Playing soccer can be lots of fun, and is also a great workout. It’s quite a challenge pointing out the main benefit of playing soccer, when there are several. Soccer increases aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health, lowers body fat and improves muscle tone, builds strength, flexibility and endurance, increases muscle and bone strength, and improves health due to shifts between walking, running and sprinting.
Hide and Seek
Sure Hide and Seek could have perhaps fit into the running section, but I think it’s great to point out specific ways in which you can get the children involved in being active. Put together a play date or take the children to the park for an old school game of hide and seek or freeze tag. Start to make outings like this more frequent. This allows you to sneak in a workout, while promoting child fitness at the same time. The beauty about it is your little boys and girls will never see it as a workout. If you really want to get them involved, give them an iBitz Powerkey Activity Tracker for Kids and make it a contest to see who can take the most steps during the game. Now you’ve really got their attention!
Remember that physical fitness does not have to be a chore. Find ways to include the family in your outdoor activities, and make them fun. Always be sure to stay properly hydrated during any routine. I’d suggest strapping on a Camelbak Unbottle Hydration Pack, or carrying something like the Avex Wells AutoSpout Water Bottle 32 Ounce with you. Always be sure to consult your physician before initiating any new routine.